Search - Liz Story :: The Gift

This is what Christmas is about

Alan Lekan | 11/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never heard Liz until the disk arrived. She can both play and interpret. Put this one on, follow it with C. Chesnut's Christmas disk and the Holiday's meaning becomes clear."

Solo piano music of depth and artistry

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 11/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pianist Liz Story has been a mainstay in the Windham Hill label since her first releases in the 80's. Her dreamy song, "Wedding Rain" showcased a fresh talent that bathed the listener in delicate atmospheres and lovely tonal colorations. But with such lumanescent textures is a corresponding musical intelligence that only comes from being an composer as well as performer (she writes most her music).



This classically-trained talent allows her music to rise above the more superficial "nice sounding background piano music" of this genre. Her style is reminicent at times of the French classical masters Debussy or Ravel for its emphasis on tonal beauty and cascading effects. To me her music has always exuded something special ... something very deep and resonant ... something tangibly spiritual and with a sense of celebration of life.



Story brings these same qualities to her seasonal collection, fittingly titled, "The Gift." In a world riddled with too many cheesy and trite holiday recordings, Story's "Gift" here is a true treasure and sanctuary for music lovers. Its "spirit" is similar to George Winston's legenday recording, "Winter" in the way it creates a sense of solace, warmth and comfort.



Probably the piece that best exudes this sensitive playing is her magical rendition of the beloved English song, "Greensleeves" (track 4) in which she creates a fleeting, transcendent mood through her seamless playing, feathery touch and delicately evocative effects. This piece is emmensely beautiful and moving to hear, transporting you to imaginative vistas and memories.



Especially when doing the more well-known seasonal pieces, it takes true musical insight to find the true, spiritual core of the music to avoid a trite-sounding result. Holiday CD's come and go, but certain ones and certain songs are timeless such as those performed here by Liz Story. The sound quality is excellent with a most-fitting resonance that brings out the rich harmonic overtones of her piano. A most lovely recording. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound quality - 5 stars."

Exquisite Christmas CD

Alan Lekan | 10/21/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is perfect for the soundtrack to Christmas gatherings, or, better yet, snuggling up in front of the fire with your warm drink and/or warm person of choice. The medley of "Come Little Children/We'll Dress the House" is a track that I can listen to over and over without it losing an ounce of pleasure. The Gift is a wonderful addition to any Christmas music library."